- TotalEnergies will purchase 30,000 metric tons of green hydrogen annually from 2030.
- RWE's 300-megawatt electrolysis plant in Lingen will start by 2027.
- The hydrogen will be stored at Gronau-Epe, operational by 2027.
- Germany's hydrogen network will connect production and consumption sites by 2032.
Agreement Overview
TotalEnergies and RWE have signed a 15-year agreement for the supply of green hydrogen, marking a significant step in the hydrogen market. Starting in 2030, TotalEnergies will purchase 30,000 metric tons of green hydrogen annually for its Leuna refinery in Germany. This is the largest contract for climate-neutral hydrogen from an electrolyser in Germany.
Environmental Impact
The use of 30,000 metric tons of green hydrogen is expected to save 300,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year, equivalent to the emissions of 140,000 cars. This initiative aligns with Germany's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the fuel supply sector.
Infrastructure and Production
The hydrogen will be produced at RWE's 300-megawatt electrolysis plant in Lingen, set to be operational by 2027. The plant will use electricity from renewable sources, complying with EU regulations that require electrolysers to operate with renewable electricity generated in the same hour as the hydrogen production.
Storage and Distribution
To ensure a reliable supply, RWE will utilize the hydrogen storage facility in Gronau-Epe, which is planned to be operational by 2027. The German hydrogen core network will facilitate the supply chain, connecting production sites like Lingen with industrial consumption centers such as Leuna. This network, spanning over 9,000 kilometers, will be phased into operation between 2025 and 2032.
Strategic Importance
This agreement underscores the strategic importance of green hydrogen in decarbonizing the chemical industry and supports the development of a hydrogen economy in Germany, particularly in regions like Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.
